Popular rugby league personality Spen Allison has become the game's second successive winner of the York and District Sports Council's Service to Sport Award.

SPORTING GESTURE: Spen Allison (left) receives the York and District Sports Council's Service to Sport award from Lord Mayor of York Peter Vaughan

New Earswick All Blacks chairman Allison was honoured by Lord Mayor of York, Peter Vaughan, in a ceremony at the city's Mansion House last night. He follows Acorn chairman and York Wasps director Peter Warters who collected the same award last year.

Allison has become one of the most respected figures in amateur rugby league during his 44 years as a player, coach, administrator and official.

Coun Vaughan said: "If anybody epitomises the phrase 'the life and soul' of amateur rugby league in the city then Spen epitomises it."

Allison was joined by his family and friends at the presentation where he said: "I'm a little bit gobsmacked.

"Awards are smashing but you can't take them without the help of family and friends.

"Every minute has been absolutely tremendous. When I see young men around the city that have made good through rugby league then that's reward in itself."

He has enjoyed continuous 42 years consecutive service with York and District ARL, holding various positions including committee member, treasurer, trustee and secretary.

The posts he currently hold include chairman of the York and District Sports Council, Yorkshire County ARL and New Earswick; York's representative for the British Amateur Rugby League Association, Yorkshire League and Yorkshire County; manager of the Yorkshire County open age team and secretary and treasurer for York ARL.

His achievements earned Allison life membership of BARLA in 1990 for Outstanding Service to Amateur Rugby.

That was followed three years later with life membership of York ARL in appreciation of his work. Then in 1996/97 he was awarded the Tom Keaveney Memorial Trophy in recognition of Outstanding Secretary Services.

Allison, a former pupil and school captain of Scarcroft Secretary Modern, founded Southlands and Scarcroft United ARL with Roy Taylor in 1955.

He revived York INL 15 years later and was the driving force behind York ARL starting their Sunday League in 1970. He has also been a committee member at Acorn and Rose and Crown.

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